{"id":12868,"date":"2012-05-28T10:00:22","date_gmt":"2012-05-28T17:00:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/?p=12868"},"modified":"2014-01-24T14:25:00","modified_gmt":"2014-01-24T22:25:00","slug":"10-complementary-therapies-that-can-help-children","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/ten-complementary-therapies-that-can-help-children-0528124","title":{"rendered":"Ten Complementary Therapies That Can Help Children"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"MotherI am frequently asked what the best complementary or alternative therapies for kids are. This is a broad and potentially complex question, with appropriate courses of treatment depending on both on the child’s struggles and the balance of safety and efficacy of the therapy being considered. Eventually, many parents eventually find a complementary or alternative medicine (CAM)<\/a> therapy that feels right for their child.<\/p>\n

The most recent data from the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) found that 12% of the 9,000 children surveyed in 2007 had used some form of CAM during the previous year. CAM use typically ranges from providing remedies in lieu of medical treatments—such as using a homeopathic flu remedy instead of a prescription—to using CAM in conjunction with conventional remedies. The latter can be as simple as giving a child a zinc lozenge or tea with honey in addition to the antibiotics a doctor prescribes when a child has a sore throat or throat infection. Another example is when a child has been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and his or her parents employ dietary changes even if the child is also receiving medication or psychotherapy. CAM therapies are often used to help children manage symptoms of chronic pain conditions or notable anxiety, ideally in combination with psychotherapy (and appropriate medical care, if this is indicated).<\/p>\n

Remembering Developmental Differences<\/h2>\n

A point NCCAM emphasizes is that children are not merely smaller versions of adults. Similarly, more studies have been conducted regarding the effects of many CAM therapies on adults, although there is a growing body of research on CAM with children. Thus, what may be considered an appropriate CAM therapy or dose of therapy for an adult is not necessarily what we can recommend for a child.<\/p>\n

That being said, there are a number of treatments that are considered generally safe for children, particularly when provided or informed by appropriately trained professionals. My favorites are listed here. I chose to emphasize non-oral intake therapies, although at times these may also be appropriate.<\/p>\n

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  1. Guided imagery or self-hypnosis <\/strong>can be\u00a0helpful for managing mood symptoms, pain and itching, sleep difficulties, and nausea.<\/li>\n
  2. Mindfulness<\/a> or other types of meditation<\/strong>\u00a0can aid in improving mood, pain, itching, sleep, nausea, and concentration.<\/li>\n
  3. Aromatherapy\u00a0<\/strong>can help reduce anxiety and enhance feelings of calm, especially when paired with other therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy, meditation, imagery\/hypnosis, or massage.<\/li>\n
  4. Movement therapies<\/strong>, such as\u00a0yoga<\/a>, dance therapy, or tai chi can increase a child\u2019s feelings of mastery, discharge excess physical tension, provide focus, and improve mood.<\/li>\n
  5. Massage\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0decreases muscle tension or soreness and increases relaxation.<\/li>\n
  6. Energy therapies<\/strong>, such as\u00a0Reiki or therapeutic touch, may help increase calmness and decrease stress. These may also help with some physical discomforts.<\/li>\n
  7. Art therapy<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0can help children cope with change, shed light on emotions and concerns that they may have trouble verbalizing, and reinforce healing images created during guided imagery and hypnosis.<\/li>\n
  8. Homeopathy<\/strong>\u00a0is gently calming and is reported to help with fears, anxiety, and tantrums. There is less data on this therapy, but it is generally considered to be safe.<\/li>\n
  9. Diluted ginger tea<\/strong>\u00a0can help with upset stomach\/nausea.<\/li>\n
  10. Dietary changes<\/strong>, which may include\u00a0eliminating processed foods, caffeine, or sugar and emphasizing whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and healthy sources of protein, are health-supportive overall, and some parents report improved mood, sleep, and concentration when processed foods are limited or eliminated.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    One common theme that runs through most of the therapies listed above is that they help children to feel calmer. Some of the approaches provide children with tools to help them directly impact how they feel via what they do<\/em> (movement therapies, imagery\/hypnosis, meditation, art), which enhances children\u2019s feelings of mastery and control. All of these approaches require at least initial participation and monitoring from parents—a key ingredient in helping children to feel safe, loved, and supported.<\/p>\n

    As always, it is essential to keep healthcare providers in the loop when using CAM therapies with children, particularly with those who have a medical or psychological illness.<\/p>\n

    Modeling Emotional Intelligence<\/h2>\n

    Finally, if I were to add a number 11 to the list, it would be to emphasize that children pick up on and are undoubtedly affected by their parents\u2019 moods. It is essential for parents dealing with anxiety, depression, or other psychological challenges to obtain appropriate treatment. Doing so helps parents feel better, enhances their ability to cope with the many demands of parenting, and teaches children about the value of self-care<\/a>. Furthermore, emotionally healthy parents tend to parent more effectively, which also reduces children\u2019s feelings of anxiety and depression.<\/p>\n

    Resources:<\/strong><\/p>\n